Yep. If I have the numbers correct, I'm pretty sure four linebackers left the program from the 2017 class. Obviously the damage that low depth has on your situation is a big deal.
Good, you understand that part. Now go look at the recruiting board and check out how many juco linebackers the staff has sent offered lately to try and fill that hole.
Defense has been much more of a letdown, for sure.
The D was 88th in scoring defense last year and is 84th this year, but the O has plummeted from 58th scoring offense to 87th.
You need to lay off the crackpipe if you honestly think the defense has been the bigger letdown this year.